Navigating the Spatial Computing Revolution

The long-awaited era of spatial computing has finally arrived

After five years of research and development in AR, VR, MR, the Metaverse, spatial computing and Web 3.0 solutions, we now have the necessary capabilities to shape, design, develop and apply new digital spatial experiences.

This means we finally have the technologies -5G, Cloud, Edge computing, blockchain, 3D new world, advanced data/image processing, powerful chips, and affordable devices along with a team experienced in emerging technologies. Our strong relationships with business sectors, collaboration with universities, innovation hubs, startups, and extensive experience in developing spatial computing solutions position us to take advantage of this new digital layer of the internet.

This article aims to help readers understand more about Spatial Computing, its fundamentals, concepts, business applications and use cases.

A Strategic Approach for Business Leaders in IT

In the wake of the generative AI revolution, the world is on the brink of a transformative shift toward spatial computing. As we enter 2024, a pivotal year for the technology, the spatial computing market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 18.30%, soaring from $124 billion in 2023 to an impressive $620 billion by 2032. This marks a significant leap, constituting approximately 4% of the entire global IT revenue in 2024, a substantial share of the $3.1 trillion total.

According to the Market Research Report for Spatial Computing businesses can strategically position themselves to harness this growth. In Europe an annual growth rate of 20% is anticipated, while the EMEAL region (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa) is expected to see an even more remarkable annual growth of 25.1% between 2023 and 2032. To capitalize on this spatial computing revolution, businesses need to understand and leverage the opportunities it presents, reshaping the landscape of services and digital interactions.

Introduction to Spatial Computing

Spatial computing, as defined by Simon Greenwold in 1995, involves interacting with technology in a way that integrates or manipulates elements in the physical world. This technology, powered by sensors and environmental mapping techniques, creates immersive experiences by seamlessly integrating digital objects into physical environments. Applications span diverse sectors such as retail, banking, education, and industry, catering to different generational groups.

As spatial computing evolves, it is set to become an integral part of the technology landscape, offering businesses unprecedented opportunities to enhance user experiences and digital interactions.

Spatial computing has been simmering on the tech backburner for years, attracting niche interest but struggling to break into the mainstream. Yet, recently, the buzz has reached a fever pitch. From tech giants like Apple entering the scene to industry reports highlighting its revolutionary potential, everyone seems to be talking about spatial computing. Several factors are converging to create the ideal conditions for spatial computing:

• Maturing Technology: Advancements in hardware, software, and sensor technology are finally making spatial computing devices lighter, more powerful, and more user-friendly. This improved user experience is crucial for mass adoption.
• Evolving User Needs: The pandemic has driven a growing demand for immersive and remote collaboration tools. Spatial computing offers a unique solution, enabling people to virtually connect and interact as if they were physically present.
• Investment and Hype: Major tech players like Apple, Microsoft, and Meta are pouring resources into spatial computing, generating significant hype and driving innovation. This investment fuels further development and attracts broader interest.

NTT DATA Use Cases by Industry

Over the past years, NTT DATA has made significant progress in the application of spatial computing solutions. By leveraging the hype of Meta and the Metaverse, and working with our customers, we prototype and test solutions for real business cases, proving hypotheses and accelerating our capabilities in the immersive experiences.
With the new era of spatial computing and the adoption of the Vision Pro, our Digital Lab in Brazil is developing robust solutions, discussing new business models, and planning rollout and scalability for the sectors such as:

Fundamentals of Spatial Computing

Spatial computing is supported by a range of technologies, each playing a crucial role in its development. Augmented and mixed reality (AR/MR) overlays digital elements onto the real world, creating a hybrid environment, while virtual reality (VR) immerses users in entirely virtual worlds through dedicated headsets. These technologies are set to redefine digital habits and create new markets for related products and services.

The choice of devices and sensors is pivotal in the spatial computing landscape. Standalone headsets, such as Meta Quest, offer portability, while 6DoF and LiDAR sensors enable natural interactions by tracking movement in the physical environment. Passthrough features, allowing user to view the physical environment through headsets, enhance the mixed reality experience.

Development Platforms

Spatial computing applications are built on platforms and SDKs that form the foundation of various solutions. ARCore by Google and ARKit by Apple are instrumental in augmented reality development, while WebAR facilitates web-based augmented reality experiences without requiring additional plugins.
Game engines, particularly Unity and Unreal, provide essential infrastructure, enabling the creation of immersive and interactive spatial computing experiences.

Creation and Design of the 3D Experience

Developing 3D experiences is fundamental to the success of immersive spatial computing applications. Creative sessions typically involve conceptualizing designs and quick prototypes, visualizing the arrangement of items and experiences in the environment. It is crucial to move beyond 2D-oriented tools and prioritize platforms like Unity, ensuring the spatial aspects are effectively captured.

Conclusion

As technology advances and digital interactions become more immersive, spatial computing represents not only a paradigm shift but also the creation of new digital habits and the opening of new markets and opportunities. With strategic vision, specialized knowledge, and guidance across all sectors, NTT DATA is poised to lead the spatial computing revolution, shaping the future of services in 3D.